The History of Rome, Book III From the Union of Italy to the Subjugation of Carthage and the Greek States

"The History of Rome, Book III" by Theodor Mommsen is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work continues Mommsen's exploration of Roman history, focusing on the significant period from the unification of Italy to the conquests of Carthage and the Greek states. The book examines the political, military, and economic factors that influenced Rome's rise to power during this transformative era. At the start of this volume, Mommsen introduces the Phoenician civilization, emphasizing their maritime commerce, cultural qualities, and political characteristics. The narrative discusses their influence on the Mediterranean regions, particularly through their chief settlement, Carthage, which became a formidable power in opposition to both Greek colonies and eventually Rome itself. The opening portion delves into the Phoenicians' lack of political ambition compared to their commercial prowess, setting the stage for future conflicts that would ensue as Rome's expansion began to threaten Carthaginian dominance in the Mediterranean. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Christian Matthias Theodor Mommsen was a German classical scholar, historian, jurist, journalist, politician and archaeologist. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest classicists of the 19th century. He received the 1902 Nobel Prize in Literature for his historical writings, including The History of Rome, after having been nominated by 18 members of the Prussian Academy of Sciences. He was also a prominent German politician, as a member of the Prussian and German parliaments. His works on Roman law and on the law of obligations had a significant impact on the German civil code.